ARRESTED: Man suspected of attacking a woman on a Colorado trail, 1 suspect at large

AURORA, Colo. (KKTV) - Police believe they caught the man behind what is believed to be a random attack along a Colorado trail on Saturday. Authorities had released a composite sketch of the suspect Saturday night and then announced an arrest on Monday. However, a second suspect in a separate attack may still be at large.

Julio Cesar Gonzalez was already in custody on an unrelated charge when Aurora Police announced a warrant was issued for one count of first-degree assault tied to Saturday’s attack. Police are still asking the public to contact them in regards to an attack that happened a few days earlier.

The first attack happened on Wednesday at about 11:30 in the morning. The female victim was riding her bike along the High Line Canal Trail in the Highland Park Neighborhood. She was close to E. 2nd Avenue with her children when a man attacked her with a 2x4 board. She was knocked off her bike by the suspect, but thankfully she and her children were able to escape with minor injuries. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call 720-913-7867.

A second attack happened Saturday at about 6 in the morning. Another woman was jogging close to E. 1st Avenue when police say a man went after her with a board. The second victim had serious injuries. The attack on Saturday is the one police believe Gonzalez is behind.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SUSPECTS:

Wednesday’s attack: Suspect is described as a black male who is approximately 6-foot-tall with curly hair. He was wearing a red shirt and black shorts at the time of the crime.

Saturday’s attack: Police believe they have the suspect, the mugshot of Julio Cesar Gonzalez pictured at the top of this article. ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION RELEASED BY POLICE: Suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his 20′s who is approximately 5′7″ tall, he has an athletic build and has short black “high and tight” hair. At the time of the attack he was wearing a black shirt and black pants. He was spotted later in the morning wearing a grey sweatshirt and was seen riding a children’s bicycle.

The APD is providing the following safety tips for our community to follow to help keep them and their families safe:

• Pay attention to your surroundings. Criminals tend to avoid people who appear self-assured, so walk purposefully and with confidence.

• Avoid walking at night or in dimly lit areas. If you must walk in the evening, walk in pairs whenever possible and along familiar routes.

• Trust your instincts. If you feel you are in danger, respond immediately. If you feel someone is following you or could hurt you, yell ‘Fire’ instead of ‘help.’ People are more likely to respond to your call for assistance.